Discovery of ceramide signaling as a regulator of energy expenditure with aging
Dr. Simcox’s research focuses on how plasma lipids are changed in aging, and how these plasma lipids regulate the aging process. One of the plasma lipids classes that is changed in aging and is associated with metabolic syndrome in human population studies, are ceramides. Ceramides are known to regulate how the body stores fat through controlling insulin signaling. The experiments in this grant aim to understand how specific ceramide species change in the blood in aging humans and to determine how ceramides regulate lower energy expenditure with aging. The findings of these studies will determine ways to combat age related obesity and metabolic disease with the goal of increasing health span and life span.
